Lost Your Job in Retail? Why Not Operate Your Own Business in 2009! Invest... -- PITTSBURGH, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ --

Lost Your Job in Retail? Why Not Operate Your Own Business in 2009! Invest in You. Become an Entrepreneur!

GNC offers retailing veterans a 25% discount on the initial franchise fee and a place in the supplement industry's strongest and best franchise organization

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the challenging economic climate in the United States - which has cost thousands of experienced retail employees their jobs - the supplement and self-care industry remains a $21 billion industry and continues to grow at a rate of 4%-6% each year, according to GNC, the largest global specialty retailer of health and wellness, sports nutrition and diet products. For the past 75 years, GNC has expanded its worldwide network of over 6,200 stores in the U.S. and in 52 global markets.

In 2008, 2.5 million jobs were lost in the United States and, currently, the unemployment rate has surged above 7%. It is estimated that in 2009, 14,000 retailers will close their doors, displacing thousands of additional employees from their jobs.

Recognizing the new supply of retail talent looking for new and more entrepreneurial opportunities in 2009, GNC is offering an incentive to displaced retail professionals who are looking for a fresh start and are searching for a strong and proven company. Right now, GNC is offering 25% off the initial franchise fee, through July 31, 2009, to displaced retailers who are qualified and interested in a great opportunity to start a GNC franchise.

"At a time when many retailers are going out of business, cutting jobs and closing locations, GNC sales are as strong as ever and the company continues to expand its retail locations," says Executive Vice President of Store Development Tom Dowd. "GNC is continuing to do very well, opening 237 stores (in North America alone) within the last three years and another 50 plus planned to open this year."

Dowd adds, "Sadly, so many great retail professionals are losing their jobs, but at GNC we are excited to announce that we are now offering an incentive to retailers who have been displaced and are looking for a new career path. We have many great locations available throughout the country. GNC is looking forward to continued growth with potential new partners who have retail experience. This is a fantastic industry and GNC is 11 times larger than our nearest competitor in our category."

Annual growth in the supplement industry is expected to rise steadily through 2012, according to the Nutrition Business Journal, making now the perfect time to open a GNC franchise. For the past 19 years in a row, GNC has been ranked as the #1 franchise in the Supplement category and in 2008 was ranked 23rd overall by Entrepreneur Magazine. Additionally, in 2008 when almost 6,000 retailers closed their doors due to lost sales, GNC produced positive sales growth in both Franchise and corporate stores.

As people become more conscious of health conditions in general, they become more proactive in preventive care. In short, more people are seeking out healthier lifestyles. Life expectancy has increased 30 years in the last century and boomers account for $1.5 trillion spent on goods and services, with two times the disposable income of any other age group. As the boomers continue to age, their main concern is health care costs and living well.

This is the perfect opportunity to operate a business and begin a new career as a GNC franchisee! Individuals with retail experience and displaced from their career are eligible for the 25% franchise fee discount. Additionally, there is financial support available to qualified individuals.

Learn more about how you can be a part of this exciting and growing business, visit www.GNCFranchising.com for more information.

About GNC

GNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products; including vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products. GNC has more than 6,200 retail locations throughout the United States (including approximately 1,000 franchise and 1,250 Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 52 international markets. The company - which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well - also offers products and product information online at GNC.com.